Obituary of Nancy Mary Vella

Nancy M. Vella passed away peacefully at the age of 101 yrs. old on January 29, 2024, at The Bristal Assisted Living in Armonk, N.Y.

She was born in New Brunswick, N.J. on May 2, 1922, to Damiano and Filomena (Irpi) Grassini. She was the fourth of eight children, six boys and 2 girls. They had a beautiful home there until The Depression. They moved to Manhattan where she and her siblings grew up.

Nancy graduated from Central Needle Trades High School (renamed FIT) in NYC.  She loved sewing and needlework and would make many of her own clothes and a few mother-daughter matching outfits as well.

She married John R. Vella on June 7, 1942, which lasted almost 26 yrs. until his death in 1968. They had 3 children, Robert, Lorraine and Lawrence. 

Nancy worked for over 32 years, beginning at Kleinert's Rubber Factory (College Point) and retiring from the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. (Manhattan) in 1986.  She had many friends and was involved with the local senior groups helping with arts and crafts events. She was also a member of the Ciao Italia neighborhood group.  Nancy loved making Italian dinners, especially Lasagna. She enjoyed traveling throughout the US and Europe.

She loved her family and was always a central part of their lives.  Nancy had such fun with her 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her GiGi.

She was predeceased by her husband John and siblings Paul, Tony, Cosmo, Al, Frank, Mary, Carmine, their spouses and her son-in-law, Mike McCarron.

Nancy is survived by her children, Robert (Ruth), Lorraine (Vella) McCarron, Lawrence (Irene), grandchildren, Craig, Todd (Stacy), Darrell (Charissa), Jocelyn (John), Lauren (AJ), great-grandchildren, Danica, Braden, Sawyer, Dylan, Chelsea, Lucas, Julian, Theo and many nieces, nephews and their children.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations in her honor to:

St Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital: Donate now to St. Jude and help kids fighting cancer - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org)

Calvary Hospice:     Ways To Give - The Calvary Fund (calvaryhospital.org)